Though
November is not a very good time to go to Great Britain because of the cold
weather, the rain and how early it gets dark, we had no choice because we
wanted to visit two exhibitions at the Victoria & Albert Museum: Ballgowns: Britisth Glamour since 1950 and Hollywood Costume, which both coincide from the
end of October until January. It’s been really worth it, both are fantastic,
especially for a sewing and cinema lover like me.

As it
was the third time we visited London we wanted to know other places away from
the most tourist areas. Our accomodation was in Whitechapel, a multicultural
and cozy neighborhood from where we walked to several street markets which are very
interesting if you like antiquities -and old junks– like me: Brick Lane, Old
Spitalfields and Petticoat Lane. I had a great time browsing around and it was
great to find a stall with old glass bottles. I love them, I started collecting
them ten years ago precisely in London. I also discovered a warehouse full of old
wooden fish boxes. I brought with me a beautiful one.

I
found the old printer drawer at Portobello Market. I visited there a couple of
shops I liked very much: The Cloth Shop (290 Portobello Road), a paradise of
fabrics - specially linen-, buttons, ribbons, threads... You would take
everything. And Lyndons Stitch & Beads (197 Portobello Road), a small shop
with all the buttons and ribbons you could imagine. I also entered Cath Kidston, where besides thousands of items full of flowers (its trademark) they
have needlecraft supplies and books.

Other
shop I was looking forward to visit was Ray Stitch (99 Essex Road). It’s far
away from the center, but it was worth going there. It’s specialized in fabrics
for patchwork, but it also had knitting needles, buttons, books... and a small cafeteria
area where you can savour their delicious brownies.

In the
center of London I went to Liberty London (Regent Street). Just for visting the
place -an old English style building– was great to go there. The prices are
very high, but I enjoyed seeing wools and fabrics and I bought some books. Besides
they have a corner with dolls by Anne Claire Petit, the well-known Dutch
designer of amigurumis and crochet complements.

All content on this blog is (c) all rights reserved by Deshilachado SCP, except that lent by other authors, copyright by them. You can use my photos if you link my blog. Of course, blog links are always welcome. Enjoy your visit!